Household Dangers

Pet Proofing your Home

Just as parents 'childproof' their home, so should pet owners 'petproof' theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can't know what is dangerous and what is not... so it's up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

In the House

Screen windows to guard against falls.

Don't let young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high decks.

Many house plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.

Puppies and kittens love to chew when they're teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.

Don't leave a room where a fire is lit or a heater is being used unattended.

Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.

Don't leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

In the garage

Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze but ingestion is likely to prove fatal.

Tightly cover containers and wipe up any spills.

Paint, fuel and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.

In the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom

Never leave ovens or irons on unattended.

Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet's reach.

Close washer and dryer doors - your pet might climb in and become trapped.

Keep toilet lids down - small pets can actually drown, if they fall in.